For nearly two thousand years after the last pharaoh ruled Egypt the wonders of this ancient culture remained hidden, seemingly lost and forgotten for ever. Then, in the late eighteenth century, Napoleons invasion of the country sparked an explosion of interest in ancient Egypt that burns as strongly today as ever. The obsession with anything and everything Egyptian has inspired many to dedicate their lives to the search for treasure in Egypts sands. classified as Egyptologists and this relatively new science has been blessed with more than her fair share of intriguing characters, some of whom, by virtue of their larger-than-life personalities, their curious habits or spectacular finds, have come to dominate the story of the rediscovery of ancient Egypt. Together their work combines to become the story of the discovery of ancient Egypt - the story of this book. Tyldesley follows these real-life Indiana Joneses in their quest for the splendid monuments, tombs and artefacts that have unlocked many of the secrets of this mesmerizing civilization. From the nail-biting race to crack the hieroglyphic code to Howard Carters dramatic discovery of the golden treasures lying deep in the burial chamber of the boy king Tutankhamen - surely the most heart-stopping moment in the history of archaeology - we experience the excitement, emotion and intrigue of this most gripping story.